Scientists create nanoshell catalyst to capture methane emissions

A University at Buffalo–led research team has published research on overcoming traditional limitations for using nickel nanoparticle-based catalysts to turn climate-warming methane emissions into useful commercial products. Methane is a byproduct in many industries, including natural gas and crude oil production, livestock farming, landfilling, and coal mining. The researchers developed an aerosolized process that created catalysts in one step, allowing them to identify the highest-performing catalysts. The resulting spherical nanoshell catalyst dramatically outperformed conventional catalysts in converting methane and carbon dioxide into useful products. The technology also has potential applications in semiconductors, biotechnology, electrochemistry and other fields in need of new and improved materials.